New Home Construction in East Tennessee

Building a new home should be exciting, not overwhelming. At Walnut Ridge Construction, we make it a smooth, transparent, and rewarding experience. As a trusted cost-plus custom home builder, we provide clear budgeting, high-quality craftsmanship, and personal communication throughout every stage of the process.

Areas We Build

Our Process

Our Portfolio

Custom Homes Designed Around Your Lifestyle

Your home should be as unique as your family. We design each project from the ground up, blending functionality, aesthetic, and location to create a home that feels natural to its surroundings. Our design team helps you refine layouts, select materials, and plan for long-term comfort and efficiency.

French Country, Craftsman, and Mountain-style homes
Golf course and lakefront properties
Open floor plans with high-end finishes and energy-efficient systems
Seamless collaboration between builder, designer, and homeowner

Explore Custom Home Designs

Ready to Build a Custom Home?

Walnut Ridge Construction combines quality construction, piece of mind, and honest pricing. Start your next home today.

Transparent Cost-Plus Building Model

Unlike fixed-price builders who hide markups and change orders, Walnut Ridge Construction follows a cost-plus approach—where clients see every line item and invoice. You’ll know exactly what your home costs, where the money goes, and how decisions affect your bottom line.

Our Promise:

Open-book accounting and full transparency
Flexible selections and upgrade options
Itemized monthly reporting and progress updates

Learn More About Our Cost-Plus Contract

Build On Your Lot

If you already own land, we’ll bring your vision to life right where you are. Our Build On Your Lot program includes site evaluation, utility planning, design services, and permit coordination. From rural acreage to subdivision lots, we’ll adapt your home design to fit your property perfectly.

Build On Your Lot Services

The Design-Build Advantage

Our in-house design-build process ensures that design and construction work together from day one. This streamlined collaboration reduces miscommunication, saves time, and allows real-time budgeting adjustments throughout design development.

One contract, one team, one clear process
Improved efficiency and communication
Design customized for your lot and lifestyle

Discover the Design-Build Process

Spec Homes and Lots for Sale

Prefer to skip the design phase? Explore our available spec homes and lots for sale in premier East Tennessee neighborhoods. These move-in-ready or build-ready opportunities combine high-end features with the same Walnut Ridge quality we’re known for.

Spec Homes for Sale

Lots for Sale

The Walnut Ridge Difference

We’re proud to build in many of East Tennessee’s most scenic and desirable neighborhoods, including:

Tellico Village – Waterfront and golf course living
Rarity Bay – Gated golf community with lakefront homes
WindRiver – Luxury lakeside homes with resort-style amenities
Kahite & Tennessee National – Premier golf and lake communities

Each community offers a distinctive lifestyle—and we have experience building in all of them.

Explore the Communities We Build In

Areas We Serve

Our team builds and renovates homes across East Tennessee, including the region’s top lake and golf course communities. We have active projects in:

Blount County – including Maryville, Alcoa, and Townsend
Loudon County – including Tellico Village, Lenoir City, and Greenback
Monroe County – including Vonore, Sweetwater, and Tellico Plains

View All Areas Served

Our Process, Simplified

From your first meeting to move-in day, our process is built on clarity, communication, and craftsmanship.

The Walnut Ridge Process:

Consultation & Vision Planning – Discuss your goals, style, and budget.
Design Development – Floor plan refinement and preliminary pricing.
Preconstruction & Permits – Site review, engineering, and approvals.
Construction & Finishes – Clear timelines, daily management, and updates.
Warranty & Service – Long-term care and support after move-in.

See Our Proven Process

Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

Your dream home is just one conversation away. Whether you have land, floor plans, or just an idea, Walnut Ridge Construction will help you turn it into a home you love for decades to come.

Contact the Builder

Testimonials

Tellico Village

“We interviewed several builders before choosing Walnut Ridge, but what sold us was their open-book pricing and constant communication. We saw every invoice and cost, and there were zero surprises. The process was honest and smooth from start to finish.”

Sarah & Mark L.

Rarity Bay

“From our very first meeting, we knew we were in good hands. Kenny and his team took the time to understand our needs, our land, and our budget. Our home fits our lot perfectly and turned out even better than we imagined.”

Tom & Rachel B.

Loudon County

“The craftsmanship is outstanding. Every trim line, cabinet, and stone detail feels intentional. It’s clear Walnut Ridge Construction takes pride in every home they build.”

Greg & Melissa K.

WindRiver Community

“We were building from Florida, and Kenny kept us updated with progress photos, budget reports, and quick responses. We never felt out of the loop, even from hundreds of miles away.”

David & Karen T.

Monroe County

“We’ve built before, and this was by far the best experience. The cost-plus contract gave us peace of mind, and the workmanship exceeded expectations. We would recommend Walnut Ridge to anyone building in Tennessee.”

Mark & Sheila R.

Blount County

“I've had the pleasure of knowing the general contractor of Walnut Ridge Construction, Kenny Schmidt, for over 20 years. So, when it came time to build a house, there's only one person I trusted to take care of me. You'll never meet a more honest person in your life.”

David M. & Melanie W.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas does Walnut Ridge Construction build in?

We build new custom homes across East Tennessee, including Blount, Loudon, and Monroe Counties in communities like Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, and WindRiver.

What is a cost-plus contract?

A cost-plus contract provides full cost transparency. Clients see every invoice and markup, ensuring trust and accurate budgeting throughout construction.

Can Walnut Ridge build on land I already own?

Yes. We specialize in building on client-owned lots, handling everything from design and engineering to utilities and permitting.

Do you offer design-build services?

Yes. Our design-build process integrates design and construction, reducing time and costs while improving communication and accuracy.

Does Walnut Ridge sell spec homes or lots?

We occasionally offer spec homes and premium lots for sale in East Tennessee communities. Check our Spec Homes and Lots pages for current availability.

East Tennessee’s trusted builder for custom homes, additions, and renovations crafted with care and a foundation of honesty, transparency, and integrity. Trust your home with Walnut Ridge Construction.